NH tractor powered by methane goes on sale
First unveiled in 2023, New Holland has announced the addition of the T7.270 Methane Power CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tractor to the recently expanded T7 Range.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
The final marked the culmination of months of qualifying rounds and regional competitions, and a return to the national stage for Hugh after a previous grand final appearance.
Jackson, 27, is involved in running a 1800ha sheep and beef operation at Te Akau alongside his parents, John and Jenny, and their “awesome farm team”. As a fourth-generation farmer, Jackson is continuing the legacy of his great-grandfather, who first purchased 600 acres in 1947 after returning from WWII.
Jackson, involved with Young Farmers since 2017, is the chair of his local Hamilton City Young Farmers club this year.
After competing multiple times in the Young Farmer of the Year, finally taking out the title has been a long-held goal, that Jackson admitted it was still sinking in.
For the next 12 months as the title winner, he is eagerly awaiting all the opportunities that will come his way.
“I’m looking forward to rubbing shoulders with people I haven’t had the opportunity to meet and really see it as a learning and career-enhancing experience,” he said.
As part of his win, Jackson drove away with a New Holland Boomer 25C tractor, awarded by one of the competition’s major sponsors, New Holland.
Karl Harvey, CNH product specialist, tractors and grape harvesters, said New Holland was proud to continue its support of New Zealand young farmers, helping encourage the next generation to grow and evolve the industry.
“As the 57th winner of this title, Hugh embodies all the attributes that make this award so special. His knowledge, innovative thinking, passion and mental strength really shone through, and he’ll have so much to offer other young farmers, and the sector, as he fulfils all the opportunities open to him over the next 12 months,” Karl said.
Jackson said he was grateful for the ongoing support of sponsors like New Holland for the award.
“It’s great that the sponsors see and want to contribute to the value of this award, recognising their support helps secure the future of agriculture in New Zealand,” he said.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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